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ᑭ ᔐ ᐱ ᓯ ᒼkishe-piisim(great moon)ᑭ ᔐ ᐱ ᓯ ᒼkishe-piisim(great moon)Mkwa-giizis(Bear Moon)Mkwa-giizis(Bear Moon)FEB2024FEB2024NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNORTH BAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTRENORTH BAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSMessage from the Executive Director50th Anniversary GalaHorses for HealingEvery Step in Learning MattersWellbrietyApatisiwin & Healthy Babies CalendarsFamily Support Calendar & Indigenous Business Helping Youth Explore Career OptionsPrenatal Program CalendarValentine’s Day BrunchOpen Mic + KaraokeBeaver Hat Making with Suswin Job Postings Diaper Drive For AttawapiskatThe Witness Blanket & Drumming PracticeLanguage ConferenceCourt ProgramsSeeking Tipi Poles + 7 Grandfather TeachingsAsk The AuntiesYLP Wood Craving Open HouseStaff Directory345 & 67&89101112 &131415161718192021222324252627

Happy New Year! As we are all well-rested from the holidaysand ready to take on a new year, I extend mywarmest wishes for a Happy New Year toevery one of you. I hope your time with familyand friends was special. Here at the NBIFC, we've been gearing up andpreparing for the exciting events that lieahead in this special year, as we mark our 50th year in operation. As I reflect on thejourney to where we are now, my thoughtsinevitably turn to our founding members:Jackie, Doris, Lillian, Ruth, Kathleen, Bailey,Jack, Gloria, Muriel, Charlie, and let us notforget Clarence, whose tireless dedicationcontributed countless hours to the NBIFC'sgrowth.Over the years, our dedicated Board ofDirectors and employees have craftedsomething truly extraordinary for ourcommunity. I can't help but wonder what theywould think of our progress today, with themany services we offer, the great events wehost, and the fact that we have become a part of multiple generations of families. Staytuned, we will be sharing special photos, andNBIFC history throughout the whole year. In addition to our 50th-anniversary gala, weare busy planning other special events suchas the upcoming Language Conference inMarch, and Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wowplans are well underway. Our regularactivities, like Open Mic, drumming sessions,and Dungeons & Dragons nights for ouryouth, continue to be some popular activitiesfor our members and clients. NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 3EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGEWe are working on renewing ouraccreditation, ensuring we maintain thehighest standards of policies, procedures,and financial management controls to keepour organization running smoothly. It’s a longcomplicated process, but so worth it in theend. We all look forward to celebrating everythingthat makes the Centre what it is and thepeople who have been through here in thepast, enjoy those who are here now andcontinue to plan for a successful future. Baamaapii, Kathy FortinIf your organization wishes to feature Indigenous-related events or activities in our newsletter, wewould be delighted to share them. Kindly send us anemail at inquire@nbifc.org.

50 50TICKETS $70.00/ SEATMEMBERS $20.00/SEAT DEPOSITTICKETS $70.00/ SEATMEMBERS $20.00/SEAT DEPOSITB E S T W E S T E R N H O T E LB E S T W E S T E R N H O T E L700 LAKESHORE DRIVE, NORTH BAY P1A 2G4700 LAKESHORE DRIVE, NORTH BAY P1A 2G4Formal Dinner &EntertainmentMusic & Dancing Formal Dinner &EntertainmentMusic & Dancing THTHYOU ARE INVITED TO THEYOU ARE INVITED TO THESpring CelebrationSpring Celebrationof the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’sof the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’sAnniversary GalaAnniversary GalaSaturday April 6th, 2024DOORS OPEN AT 4:00 PM FORMOCKTAILS18 YRS+Saturday April 6th, 2024DOORS OPEN AT 4:00 PM FORMOCKTAILS18 YRS+reception@nbifc.org(705)472-2811reception@nbifc.org(705)472-2811

Two of our workers, Andrew Sutherland and AmandaCurran took part in the first leg of the Patrick BuffaloHealing with Horses Method in January. They are learning Patrick’s Manaciso method of horsetherapy, a wellness and healing program that helps movepeople 'from the head back to the heart', healing trauma,grief, anxiety and depression through connecting andbonding with the Horse Spirit. Patrick believes horsesserve as a conduit, helping people process toxic emotionslike anger, hatred, jealousy and fear.Patrick travels all over North America providing healing, isfeatured in the documentary Breaking Stigmas, has beenfeatured in APTN News, CBC News, Alberta Native Newsand more. The horse we know today has finally been proven to havelived here on Turtle Island long before European contact. Precontact remains of horses were found to have haltermarks on their skulls, as well as corn in their stomachs,from living alongside tribes in the southwest, and there iseven evidence of veterinary care to one horse which had askull fracture. This supports what the Elders had been saying all along,that horses had been part of the Indigenous landscapelong before the Spaniards came. Horses for Healing

The training took place at Horse Ability our on Hwy 17 near Corbeil. Lori, the owner has been afantastic supporter of the NBIFC with numerous programs taking place with her sweet herd. Horse cont’dNBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 6

NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 7Aanii/Boozhoo/Wachay/Sekon/Greetings kinawaya!Bnesi ndizhnikaaz.Wazhashk doodem Michi Saagig Anishinabek,Wakkwa:ho Kanien’keha:ka Haudenosaunee.Alderville ndoonjibaa.North Bay endayaan.Anishinabek ndaw.If those were the only Anishinaabemowinwords I knew, and repeated them every time Iintroduced myself to people, I would still becontributing to the preservation ofIndigenous languages.They say “one at a time” makes for goodfishing. The same goes for language: one wordat a time makes for good learning.One of the few regrets I have is that I wasn’told or wise enough to coax my grandparents,Moses and Nellie Marsden, to teach me theOjibway words they spoke fluently in theirlittle house in Lakefield when my Mom and Ilived with them. They usually stopped“talking Indian” when children orgrandchildren joined them, assuming likemany of their generation that those wordswouldn’t serve us any advantage.So it wasn’t until many years later that I feltthe urge to attend evening Anishinaabemowinsessions at Nbissing Secondary School anddiscover how magical the language can bewhen taught by master speakers like Muriel-baa Sawyer.Our little group learned how closely our wordsare linked to the land: zhishiibkik (teapot)literally translates into English as “metal potwith a neck shaped like a duck!”Part of my morning routine, after checking theday’s news sources and completing twoJumble Word Puzzles, is to try and memorizeat least one new Anishinaabemowin word.Today’s word is depsenii: ”I’m full!”It’s a great sense of accomplishment tooccasionally use easily-remembered andfrequently-used words like wiisinidaa (“let’seat!) or piitendam (I’m happy!), or to be able toexplain to other people in the car that the sign(Mooz miikan) on the way to Sturgeon Fallsindicates we’re passing by “Moose Road.”Without immersion – and having to learn thelanguage if you want to have food passed toyou at the supper table – I’m resigned to thefact that I am never going to be more than avery casual speaker, but that’s better than notbeing a speaker at all.I made it a priority to learn how to properlyintroduce myself and name my clans, and howto offer a daily Thanksgiving to the Creator ofall living things. It makes fluent speakers proudwhen they hear us trying.Every Step in Learning Matters

There are some 40 Indigenous languagesbeing spoken in Canada, some by very fewspeakers, but it is important that ourneighbours hear the words that we havelearned so they understand that we were onthese lands for thousands of years before anyEuropean voices were heard here. Canada isNOT merely a bilingual country, no matterwhat the prime minister says.Canadians need to know that residentialschools did not succeed in beating thelanguage out of us, and that even non-Nativekids are now opting to learn Cree, Mohawk, orOjibway as a second language in Ontarioschools.The children are indeed our future, and willbuild it one word at a time.Baamaapii! President, North Bay Indigenous Friendship CentreMaurice SwitzerLanguage is our soul. -Aunty Rose Fernando, Gamilaroi Elder, 1988NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 8

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We would like to promote Indigenous businesses thatoperate in North Bay and area! Email us with your businessdetails and you could be featured in the newsletter and onour social media! inquire@nbifc.org. We would like to promote Indigenous businesses thatoperate in North Bay and area! Email us with your businessdetails and you could be featured in the newsletter and onour social media! inquire@nbifc.org. We are starting to do fundraising for the 2024Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow, its already shapingup to be our best yet! If your business ororganization would like to make a donation, pleaseemail inquire@nbifc.org . We are starting to do fundraising for the 2024Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow, its already shapingup to be our best yet! If your business ororganization would like to make a donation, pleaseemail inquire@nbifc.org . NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 11NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 11

NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 12Today's labour market is increasinglycompetitive. Post-secondary education is anessential tool for obtaining meaningfulemployment and securing financial stability.Without a license, certificate, red seal, ordiploma, finding employment is verychallenging. The 2016 Census indicated that44.9% of Indigenous youth, ages 19 to 30, didnot attend or complete post-secondaryeducation. Why? Indigenous youth are morelikely than Non-Indigenous youth to facebarriers when it comes to education. There isalso limited access to career guidance andsupport services. Recent surveys, however,show that the urban-Indigenous youthgraduation rates have climbed since 2016. In2021, the percentage rose to 73.3%. Studiesshow that graduation rates will continue toclimb but are urban-Indigenous youthprepared for post-secondary education andcareer decisions?WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOUTH EXPLORECAREER OPTIONS.Why is this Career Exploration an EssentialTool?As an Employment and Training Counsellorwho supports our urban Indigenouscommunity, it has become apparent thatexpanded career exploration and relatedsupports are needed. Some have gone so faras to say that career exploration andemployment fundamentals should be a partof the curriculum from kindergarten to grade12; this will emphasize that education andemployment are fundamentally linked.Indigenous employment counsellors wouldlikely all agree that Indigenous youth "shouldbe made aware of opportunities in skilledtrade jobs and apprenticeships, informed ofeducational prerequisites, and supported topursue their goals within all sectors."Additionally, urban Indigenous youth wouldbenefit greatly if culturally appropriateguidance and career counselling serviceswere made available throughout the K-12education system.

Information and knowledge are key toensuring that urban Indigenous youth havepertinent information to assist with careerdecision-making. When these services are notprovided or not available, many urbanIndigenous youth will be unaware of careerdevelopment strategies, post-secondaryrequirements, funding sources and other keyskills (resume, cover letters, interviews)required for employment and careers.While we cannot say with certainty that careerexploration answers all of our careerquestions, we can say that increasedintroduction to career pathways at an earlyage will allow urban Indigenous youth moretime to discover their interests, talents, andskills. Career exploration will also enhanceknowledge and help youth to make moreinformed decisions. We must empower youthto explore a variety of career pathways thatalign with their interests. We must alsoencourage youth so they can set goals, askquestions, explore interests, and embracetheir uniqueness.If you or someone you know could benefitfrom Career Exploration or pre-employmenttraining, please get in touch with us.Steven Guilbeault &Samantha CooperNBIFC Apatisiwin Employment and EducationSteve - apatisiwin@nbifc.orgSam - apatisiwin2@nbifc.orgNBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 13

The Prenatal Program is happy to welcome any new parentswho would like to participate in the activities. Email Annettetoday to sign up! The Prenatal Program is happy to welcome any new parentswho would like to participate in the activities. Email Annettetoday to sign up! Annette apnp@nbifc.org(705)472-2811 ext 212

NORTHBAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIPCENTRENORTHBAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIPCENTRE14FEBUARY11:00AM-2:00PMPlease RSVP before February 9thFamily Support ,Prenatal Nutrition , &Healthy Babies Healthy ChildrenFamily Support ,Prenatal Nutrition , &Healthy Babies Healthy ChildrenJoin us for a Valentine’s Day brunch!Join us for a Valentine’s Day brunch!Contact: 705-472-2811 ext.210 or 212 or 248Contact: 705-472-2811 ext.210 or 212 or 248Registered Clients OnlyRegistered Clients Only

Calling all Singers and Musicians: The stage is yours! Please bring your instruments. Calling all Singers and Musicians: The stage is yours! Please bring your instruments. FEBRUARY 17, 2024FEBRUARY 17, 20241:00 PM - 4:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PMNBIFC GYMNASIUMNBIFC GYMNASIUM980 CASSELLS ST, NORTH BAY, ON P1B 4A8980 CASSELLS ST, NORTH BAY, ON P1B 4A8FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASECONTACT ANDREW SUTHERLAND(705) 472-2811 EXT. 219FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASECONTACT ANDREW SUTHERLAND(705) 472-2811 EXT. 219OPENMICOPENMIC+ KARAOKE+ KARAOKEEDITION

NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 17The past few weeks, Suswin residents and BerniceKoosees, our Life Long Care Worker, have been workinghard on sewing beaver fur hats. Despite the challenges ofthis project, they have been persistent, and they will havesome incredibly warm, beautiful winter gear, just in casewinter decides to show up this year . The past few weeks, Suswin residents and BerniceKoosees, our Life Long Care Worker, have been workinghard on sewing beaver fur hats. Despite the challenges ofthis project, they have been persistent, and they will havesome incredibly warm, beautiful winter gear, just in casewinter decides to show up this year . Beaver Hat MakingBeaver Hat Making

Waaban WorkerKizhaay Anishinaabe Niin – I am a KindMan Program WorkerAkwe:go Enhancement CoordinatorBookeeper AssistantFASD/Child Nutrition CommunitySupport WorkerLife Long Care WorkerLife Long Care Driver - Part TimeSuswin Village Transitional House:Casual Relief Worker - On GoingPlease Send Cover Letter, Resume and 3 References to:HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR Email: hrc@nbifc.orgWE ARE HIRING!Available Positions

NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 20DRUMMING & POW-WOW PRACTICESFor more information:Andrew - ahws@nbifc.org ext. 219 Mike - ylp@nbifc.org ext. 208(705)472-2811Youth Group12 - 24 years oldFebruary 22 & 246pm to 8pmMen + Women Group24 + years oldFebruary 22 & 246 pm to 8pmYouth Group12 - 24 years oldFebruary 22 & 246pm to 8pmMen + Women Group24 + years oldFebruary 22 & 246 pm to 8pmBring your regalia to practicedancing and drumming!Bring your regalia to practicedancing and drumming!

Free Event!Registration is RequiredLimited Seats AvailableM/C : Bob GoulaisSpeakers: James Vukelich (Turtle Mountain) Joan McLeod (Nbisiing) Richard Assinewai (Wiikwemkoong) Maurice Switzer (Alderville)(more to be confirmed)Language Conference 2024REGISTRATION:Traci Koritsaris,Events Plannerevents@nbifc.org(705) 472-2811 ext. 249Bringing Our Languages BackThe North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre Presents

NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 22Shelley Boucher, our Criminal CourtWorker, has five years of experience, whileLori Hatch, our Family Court Worker, hasseven years of experience. Our IndigenousCriminal and Family/Youth Court programsare among the original initiatives in theFriendship Centre movement province-wide. We are committed to ensuring thatour Indigenous people receive fair andequitable treatment in criminal, family, andCYFSA court, given the disproportionaterepresentation of First Nation, Inuit, andMetis peoples in the court systems. Ourprograms aim to protect our Indigenouspeople in these situations.We appreciate and acknowledge theongoing collaboration of our communitypartners, which helps us make a difference.Our court programs depend heavily onpartnerships with Legal Aid Ontario, ourdefence and family lawyers, the Crown'soffice, the court clerks and constables atthe courthouse, probation and parole,Elizabeth Fry, Canadian Mental HealthAssociation, and the North Bay jail. Withoutyour support, we would not be able to doour work seamlessly and make a differencein our community.Indigenous Court ProgramsA Collaborative EffortWe would like to take this opportunity toexpress our sincere gratitude to all ourpartners. Your support is invaluable tous, making our work more rewarding andenjoyable. Thank you for standing by usthrough thick and thin, believing in ourmission, and helping us make adifference. We are genuinely grateful foryour support and ongoing partnership.As we look forward to continuingworking together, we are excited aboutcreating more success stories. Onceagain, thank you for everything you do.Shelley Boucher, Left andLori Hatch, Right at Truth and Reconciliation Day 2022, atthe North Bay Court House

NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 23Learn about the SevenGrandfather Teachings!Come join us every otherWednesday from January 31stto May, 1PM – 3PM, as weexplore each of the teachings indepth. Here's a sneak peek atwhat we'll cover: Wisdom,Respect, Truth, Honesty, Love,Bravery, and Humility.If you'd like to learn more orregister for the event, feel freeto email Mike at ylp@nbifc.org.Whether you're Anishinaabe ornot, these teachings can benefiteveryone who wants to live amore meaningful and fulfillinglife. Don't miss out - come andjoin us!We are Seeking TipiPole Makers! For more info Please emailprogramc@nbifc.org or call (705)472-2811ext. 244We are Seeking TipiPole Makers! For more info Please emailprogramc@nbifc.org or call (705)472-2811ext. 244

Aanii Nervous Nish: Auntie: It’s understandable to be nervous, it’s a lot of responsibility! As a helper, when someone asksyou to help, they will usually give you directions to help you until you get to know the process. Don’tbe afraid to make mistakes in front of people, it's not a Western thing with a right/wrong if you do itwith good intentions and in the way you’ve been taught (as best as you can), you’ll get better withpractice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Pipe ceremonies go differently in different places but gowith the flow and you’ll do great! Auntie W – to my knowledge it has to be cared for and smoked each day. It needs to be feasted andcared for like a child or a piece of you. No alcohol or drugs near it. Some people are not ready for thatresponsibility, they should put it away or pass it to someone who can care for it. Carry on learningwith your sister, it is a big responsibility! I can see why she’s nervous, it’s a big responsibility.Auntie A: I believe the responsibility to ensure that the helper has a good understanding of herduties and expectations falls on the person requesting her assistance. Not all traditional peopleexpect the same from their helpers. I would suggest asking the person requesting your service toprovide you with insight into her expectations of you.All the Aunties liked all of these answers so they proceeded to gossip and enjoy the tea and cookies. Tune in next month when the Aunties talk about what it means to be Indigenous and yet not lookIndigenous. Do you have a question for the Aunties? Email them at asktheaunties.nbifc@gmail.comBaamaapii! - The Aunties NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 24The AuntiesThe Aunties came together to answer some questions from our community members. We will shareone question a month, we received some great questions, dont be shy, keep them coming! We had agood time talking these questions over during our tea and cookie sesh. Aanii Aunties,I am lost. I have been asked to be a helper for my sister who carries an Opwaagan (pipe). I havebeen to Ceremonies and observed but have never helped.Please if you would be so kind as to provide me with a little of your knowledge and some guidanceas to what my duties are.To be honest I'm a little nervous. Okay really nervous!!Baamaa pii,Nervous Nish

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NBIFC OPEN HOUSEPROGRAM INFORMATIONNBIFC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 26The Open House took place on January17 in the gymnasium, showing whatprograms are offered to the communityto children, youth, adults, and elders. Itwas just a quick little event for people tofind out more about what we have goingon at the NBIFC. You can always pop into the Centre to find out more or go towww.nbifc.org

Jacqueline “Jackie” Traverse was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is Ojibway fromthe Lake St. Martin First Nation. Jackie posted this image from her colouring book, forfamilies to enjoy a free resource for images that express Ojibwe culture. There are 6images in total that can be downloaded at https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/files/Free_Colouring_from_Fernwood_Publishing.pdfCOPYRIGHT © 2018 JACKIE TRAVERSE — FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.Bear Moon